Katella rides Pineda, Olivera past Los Amigos

ANAHEIM – Katella made the most of its passing opportunities and as usual, relied on Francisco Pineda to run the football in a 49-15 victory over Los Amigos in the first round of the Southern Division playoffs on Friday at Glover Stadium.

That balanced attack, anchored by a solid offensive live, is a big reason the Knights (11-0) remain undefeated. They will face Canyon in a second-round game next Saturday at El Modena.

Katella trailed, 15-8, after the first quarter, thanks to touchdown runs of 32 and 20 yards by Jose Olivera.

But that was the extent of the scoring for the Lobos (3-8).

“I thought it would be a little bit of a struggle, but if we could just work our offense, I felt good about (our chances),” Katella coach Fred DiPalma said.The Knights did indeed work their offense, going on to score 41 consecutive points, including 34 in the second and third quarters.

Pineda carried 13 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns and quarterback Joseph Vasquez completed four of nine passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns.

Vasquez also displayed speed and agility, cutting and weaving to avoid tacklers on a 64-yard run in the fourth quarter.

“Pineda runs hard and fast,” DiPalma said. “We’re fortunate to have a good offensive line and good backs. We’re trying to stay balanced.”

Pineda has 1,216 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on the season and is averaging 110 yards rushing per game.

The Knights have scored a combined 98 points in their past two games and have topped 40 points eight times.